Category Archives: Diet And Food

Fallis finally here, and we're excited to indulge in seasonal comfort food as the weather gets cooler and our bodies crave the tastes of the autumn harvest. Instead of enjoying a simple BBQ on the beach or fruit salad, we are now looking forward to cooking anabundance of orange and golden vegetables, hearty soups, as well as sipping fresh apple cider andbaking pumpkin-flavored treats.

To make all these fall indulgenceshappen, first stock up on fresh vegetables and fruits from the farmer's market or farm stand, produce section, or green market, since these autumn crops are in prime season anddeliver a host of health benefits that will have your energy on high and your body's immunity humming along.The Beet compiled this list of thehealthiest fruits and vegetables to add to your list and eat right now, to make Autumn your best season yet. We highlighted the health benefits of each one, so you can feel even more motivated to put these foods in your basket. Then, check out The Beet's library of healthy fallrecipesto enjoy andcreate new memories that will make this season your absolute favorite.

Applesare known to lower your risk of heart disease, since they contain plenty of soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol levels, according to a recentstudy. Apples are a good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and Folate, which helps boost your immune system. One apple has about 95 calories and contains 4 grams of dietary fiber makingit the perfect low-calorie on-the-go snack that will fill you up. Visit your local apple orchardbecause September and October are prime apple picking season.

But which apple is healthiest? According to theJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, polyphenolic compounds found in apples (in Red Delicious apples) are extremely beneficial to human health but if you don't like the tougher skin, skip those sincemost of the benefit from flavonoids in the apple is in the skin. The Pinky Lady contains the most flavonoids, which improve bloodflow andboost your ability to createnitric oxide a molecule that relaxes and opens blood vessels for better heart health, circulation, performance, and anti-aging.

Winter squash differs from summer squash since it's harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage when the seedsand skin are hard. These includebutternut, pumpkin,acorn, delicata, and Hubbard. Winter squash is high in vitamins A and C, promoting a healthy immune system,improving your vision, and can help clear up skin--reducing any signs ofacne.

Carotenoids are found in most squashes including acorn squash and butternut squash and may "protect against type 2 diabetes, lung cancer, mental decline, and vision disorders,"studies have found. The richer the color at the farmstand, the higher likelihood you are choosing a vegetable that's a great source of carotenoids.

Beets are extremely nutrient-dense and low in calories. One beet contains 44 calories, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 1.7 grams of protein, and is loaded with healthy vitamins and mineralssuch as vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Some people say that beets are the "multivitamin" of vegetables. Studies show beets help reduce your blood pressure, lowering your risk of heart diseases and stroke.

Broccoliis often maligned for its strong odor while cooking, but in terms of health, the cruciferous vegetable has anoutstanding reputation for delivering big benefits. First, broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and is high in fiber,helping you lose weight naturally. Different cooking methodsaffect the nutritional value, however, so it'sbest to enjoy this vegetable completely or nearly raw and seasoned with your favorite spices and herbs.

Cooking it too much (boiling or microwaving) can deplete it of sulforaphane, a natural gas that gets emitted when the stalk, head or leaves gets injured such as when a bug or human bites into itwhichacts as a powerful antioxidant when it enters the human body and helps fight toxins and the stress of oxidization (aka aging).Broccoli is full of antioxidants that support your digestive system, prevent stress, andboost eye health--according to a study. Learn more about this powerhouse veggie here.

Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin K, which is extremely important for strong and healthy bones, according tostudies. Just half a cup contains 137 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K which is great for building bones (in conjunction with vitamin D) and healthy blood cells. These veggies are also high in fiber, promoting weight loss and gut-health. Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants which help lower stress and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. One study supports that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables may result in a decreased cancer risk.

Cabbage contains 2 grams of dietary fiber and ishigh in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot in a healthy way (you need this if you get cut or bruised) and works with vitamin D to support strong bone health. The cruciferous vegetable contains a variety of different antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, according to a study. Another study suggests that "thepreviously observed health benefits ofcruciferous vegetable consumption may be partly associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of these vegetables." The autumn season is the perfect time to make cabbage wrapped tacos or flavorful cabbage soup, get creative!

Cauliflower is high in dietary fiber, promoting natural weight loss, and reducing a whole host of diseases including heart disease, cancer, chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and more, and promoting immune function, according to a major study. In one cup of cauliflower, there are 3 grams of fiber,which is 10% of your daily needs. "Higher intakes of dietary fiber are linked to less cardiovascular disease," the study found, "and fiber plays a role in gut health" since it's a prebiotic food that promotes the growth of healthy probiotic bacteria in your intestines, which sets off a healthy chain reaction that does everything from lower your risk of heart disease to boost immunity and help overall mood.

"Higher intakes of fiber are linked to lower body weight as well as less risk of cancer, " the study found. Cauliflower is also high in vitamin K, which supports healthy bones. This tree-shaped vegetable is known for its anti-inflammatory effects as well since it contains high levels of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant.

First, cranberries are mostly water and fiber, making them the perfect food to snack on for weight loss. One cup of cranberries is made up of 87percent of water and contains 4.6 grams of fiber. Cranberries are also full of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K1, manganese, and copper. Cranberries are known to help prevent UTI's, since they're loaded withA-type proanthocyanidins, antibacterialflavonoids, according to onestudy. "The proanthocyanidins in cranberry, in particular... have been implicated as important inhibitors" of the main cause of UTI's, specifically a bacteria called "primarily P-fimbriatedE. coli," according to another study.

If you're looking to drop some pounds this season, add green beans to each meal. Just one cup of raw green beans has 31 calories, zero fat, 4 grams of dietary fiber, and only 3.6 grams of naturally occurring sugar (which is not the same as added sugar). They also contain no cholesterol. Green beans are high in vitamins K, E, and B6, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc which is extremely important for bone health and immunity.

One single cup of raw kale contains 500 mcg of vitamin K (which is nearly 7 times your daily recommended amount) as well as plenty of vitamin A (twice your daily amount), vitamin C (more than yourdaily recommended amount). It also has manganese and vitamin B6. Kale is loaded with powerhouse antioxidants, including flavonoidsthathelp to lower blood pressure, work as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, ant-depressant, and anti-canceragents, according to onestudy.

Kale is as powerful as medicine: Men who drank kale juice every day for 12 weeks increased their HDL-cholesterol or "good cholesterol" by 27percent and loweredLDL-cholesterol or "bad cholesterol" by 10percent, anotherstudy showed.

Kale also helps boost your immune system, since the green vegetable is high in vitamin C. Did you know that one cup of kale has more vitamin C than a whole orange? Kale isone of the best sources of vitamin C you can add to your plate.

One cup of parsnips contains 6.5 grams of fiber and 1.5 grams of natural plant-based protein. They're rich in antioxidants that help fight disease and rally the immune system against infection. Parsnipsalso contain polyacetylenes, compounds that may have appear to work against canceraccording to onestudy.Parsnips are also loaded with vitamin C and provide about 25 percent of your daily needs in just one serving. Add this hearty vegetable to your salads, soups, and side dishes with a little lemon and herbs.

Despite their sweet taste, pears arelow in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them a natural weight-loss-friendly fruit. One medium-sized pear contains 6 grams of fiber and 12percent of your dailyrecommended amount of vitamin C. Pears are also a good source of flavonoids that help to reduce inflammation and lower your risk of diseases, according to onestudy. Green-skinned pears contain two plant-compounds, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are help sharpen your vision, especially as you get older.

Peas are an easy vegetable to add to most dishes like veggie burgers, kinds of pasta, salads, tacos, and more. In just 1/2 cup of peas,you'll get4 grams of plant-based protein and dietary fiber., which helps fill you up and promotes weight loss. Peas have four times the amount of protein as carrots. So if you're looking to boost your plant-based protein game, peas are an easy add on. Buy them fresh or frozento eat all fall and winter for your healthiestresults.

Sweet potatoes get all the respect. But even regular potatoes are full of nutrients.Yes, they contain carbs cut since they also have high fiber and nutrients, potatoescan actually help you lose weight. In astudythatmeasured the satiety level of different foods, boiled potatoes ranked number one, which means they can fill you up and leave you satisfied longer. Some peopleswear by potatoes as a weight-loss food, so long as you leave off the oil, likeChef AJ who lost 100 poundseatinga plant-based diet rich in potatoes. In addition, potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals and contain almost zero fat. Potatoes are made up of 77percent water and have high levels of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate, which are essential nutrients that boost your immune system and your energy levels.

Most people think of pumpkin as a vegetable, but it's actually an autumn-crop fruit.One cooked pumpkin, about 245 grams, contains 245% of the reference daily intake of vitamin A,boosting your immune system, andhelping to perfect your vision. Pumpkins are weight-loss-friendly food since they're low in calories, high in fiber, and made up of about 94% water.When you carve your pumpkin into ajack o lantern, use the 'pumpkin meat' and create healthy plant-based recipes with this delicious and seasonal fruit.

Radishes are fall diet heroes for when you are staring at a table of pre-game snacks. Instead of the chips reach for these: One-half cup serving of radishes contains 12 calories and zero fat, making them the perfect crunchy snack to eatwhen you want something healthier and still satisfying. If you want to clean up you're diet and incorporate low-calorie snack foods, radishes are perfect.

One cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber and 1.5 grams of plant-based protein but only 64 calories, making them a great addition to any dessert or smoothie recipe. They provide more than half ofyour recommended daily intake of vitamin C which helpsboost immunity and their deep pigment means they contain phytochemicals that are helpful to your overall health since these dark pigments offer antioxidants to fight the stress of oxidization on a cellular level (you'll see clearer skin, more energy). One study explains that raspberries can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Health Benefits: One rutabaga contains 9 grams of dietary fiber and 4 grams of plant-based protein. They're also loaded with essential vitamins like Vitamin C (nearly twice your daily recommended amount in one serving), potassium (one third what you need in a day), magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E.Rutabagais so high in vitamin C that this infusion of C willnot only help boost your immune systembut also prevent the signs of premature aging on your skin, according to a study.

Swiss chard is a leafy green that's high in fiber and extremely low in calories, which is what makes it a perfect base for your salads or taco wrapssince it's one of the easiest ways to add density to a meal and feel full. The veggie is extremely high in vitamin K (delivering 7 times your daily recommended amount) which helps regulate your blood calcium levels to promote bone health. Swiss chard is also high in vitamins A, C, and E, and helps boost immunity, clear skin, and improve vision. Swiss chard is high in antioxidantssuch as kaempferol, which fights inflammation and may have anti-cancer effects, according to a study.

Turnips are full of healthy vitamins and minerals, such asvitamins K and C, promoting a healthy immune system and bone health. Turnips are also rich in glucosinolates, a bioactive plant compound high in antioxidantsthat appear to haveant-cancer effects, according to a study. Turnips are also used "as a traditional medicine for the treatment of headaches, chest complaints, rheumatisms, oedemas, gonorrhea, syphilis, and rabies," another studyreports.

Bananas are among the most popular fruit in the world, for all the right reasons. Theycontain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, extremely important for plant-based or veganeaters because while it's found in eggs and dairy (which plant-based peopledon't eat) it helps boost mood andeven fights depression. B6 helps create neurotransmitters that regulate emotions, including serotonin. A low level of vitamin B6 mightcontribute todepression onestudyfound since there was a correlation between low B6 levels anddepression.

Bananas are also famously high in potassium (422 grams per banana), which helps to regulate fluid balance, reduce blood pressure, and protect against heart diseases or stroke according to a study.

If you want to add more vegetables to your plate, The Beet created a 14-day easy recipe guide to help you eat one more vegetable a day for the next two weeks. Each day you'll get three easy and delicious plant-based recipes to help you "just add plants" to your diet to eat more fiber and antioxidants, boost your immune system, and have more energy. By filling up on fiber you're more likely to feel fuller longer and eat less overall, which will regulate blood sugar and may even help you lose weight as you get healthier every day. Click here to sign up.

Read more from the original source:
Your Guide to the 21 Healthiest Fall Fruits and Vegetables - The Beet

A team of doctors and researchers at UIHC are conducting a study that has the potential to reduce common side effects found within those with celiac disease, one of the first hospitals to do so.

David Elliott is currently investigating a trial drug that could help digestion for those with celiac disease, which causes an immune reaction to eating gluten.

Elliott, Director of the Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, said his team is studying larazotide a compound known to decrease intestinal permeability to see if will assist patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet.

Most people with celiac disease, when they go on a gluten-free diet feel wonderful, and dont have problems, but there are these small subset of individuals that still have some [gastrointestinal] complaints, even though theyre on a gluten free diet, Elliott said. Thats where this is targeted: for those people who have more difficulty with a loose tight junction This drug may help that.

Elliott, who is also a professor of internal medicine, said the team is actively recruiting participants for this study. One of the main requirements for participants is that they must have a positive serology and positive biopsy for celiac disease within the past six months to a year.

It is ideal if prospective participants experience ongoing symptoms associated with celiac disease, Elliott said, such as bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, and gas at least once a week.

Elliott said UIHC is one of the first hospitals to work directly with larazotide. While it has been studied in the past, this particular trial is in phase three of four, making it rather advanced.

RELATED: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics seeing sicker patients

Jessica Valestin, clinical research manager in Elliots division, said the research group is optimistic about the trials potential outcomes and how it will affect individuals with celiac disease.

Our group chose this study as we believe in helping others and moving science forward, Valestin. We were very excited at the chance to potentially be able to help patients suffering with celiac disease.

Elliott said the drug will be taken as a pill, and will help patients determine what is directly causing their symptoms and how they can reduce them.

If this pill helps, then its something we can give people, and if it removes their symptoms say, Oh no youre doing fine, youre gluten free the problem that youre having is because of this, Elliott said. Then they can decide if they want to stay on the medicine or whether they want to go off the medicine.

He said in previous trials, it was believed that participants could eat gluten while taking the drug, as it walls off gluten and allows them to return to a more common diet.

This previous trial was not successful because the symptoms of celiac disease returned. However, the team discovered patients discomfort associated with celiac disease was reduced while on a gluten-free diet while also taking larazotide, he said.

The discovery initiated the current trial to see whether the drug helps tighten the gut, decreasing the amount of gluten traveling between the intestinal cell wall, rather than through it. If so, Elliott said, it will aid in lessening the discomfort experienced with celiac disease.

RELATED: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics seeing sicker patients

UI senior Ethan Upchurch said he was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2016, and currently serves as the community outreach coordinator for the UI Celi-Yaks Club.

The Celi-Yaks aim to decrease the challenges of navigating the college food scene and promote advocacy and awareness of celiac disease and other forms of gluten sensitivity.

Upchurch said the goal of the current investigative trial corresponds with the clubs goals.

Our mission statement sort of lies in the same vein as the study does were just trying to approach [celiac disease] from a different angle, Upchurch said.

Upchurch has participated in past studies and is currently in the process of applying and being accepted for the current clinical trial conducted by Elliott.

I had completed one about a year ago, and to be honest, on top of the benefits of just promoting celiac research, the compensation is really great, Upchurch said.

Upchurch said he received $1,500 for participating in a former study regarding celiac disease. He said he feels more comfortable participating in the current trial as it involves routinely taking a pill, rather than using injections of a specific compound on a daily basis something he had to do in the previous trial he participated in.

It did seem a bit less invasive than the other one, he said. The initial study that I had done, that involved giving myself injections in my abdominal area, and that was just a bit much for me, it wasnt super painful or anything, it was just kind of annoying to have to stay regiment with that and consistently give myself shots in the abdomen every day.

Upchurch said this research gives him hope for the future of celiac disease and the symptoms associated with it.

Its refreshing to see that theres research thats being done out there, the senior said.

Valestin said their research group aims to positively impact patients and initiate the development of medication that will help those living with celiac disease.

Our group hopes to improve patients overall quality of life, especially those who live with a chronic illness, said Valestin. Clinical trials offer hope for better medications for the future.

Original post:
UIHC performing trial to reduce celiac disease symptoms - UI The Daily Iowan

Since the start of quarantine, the internet has been flooded with social media posts and articles disparaging weight gain during the pandemic, birthing the term "the Quarantine 15."

According to Dr. DeAun Nelson, those posts and articles aren't helping anyone.

"Quarantine 15I hate that term," says Nelson, a Portland naturopathic doctor and educator, about weight inclusivity in medicine and the host of the podcast Do No Harm, which is about removing weight stigma from health care. "It's OK if you gain a little weight."

When people feel desperate for a sense of control over their life, a diet can feel like an answer.

"We have the expectation that we have control over all our health," says Nelson. "Weight is certainly something that people assume that everyone has complete control over and could be put in a 'normal' [Body Mass Index] category if they just tried hard enough. That's not accurate and that's not real."

It's a difficult conversation to broach because it initially seems counter to much of what we've been taught. Public health messaging often lacks nuance, and conversations about fully divesting from diet culture require a lot of nuance. Plus, it requires unraveling assumptions created by classism, medicalized racism, and misconceptions about mental health.

But the idea that weight isn't the best indicator of health is backed by a growing body of research, and slowly gaining mainstream recognition.

"People come in a wide range of bodies," Nelson says. "If everyone is given wider access to taking care of those bodies, we would all be better off."

As something of a crash course in health without weight loss, we asked Nelson about the biggest misconceptions around weight and health, and why you shouldn't worry about the Quarantine 15.

1. Its normal to gain weight during a global crisis.

Quarantine has altered entire lives, including exercise and eating habits. Stress can also lead to weight gain or weight loss. "With all the things that have been going on in 2020, everyone's body is going to respond a little differently," says Nelson. "Recognizing that everyone's body feels the stress a little differently and saying, 'I might gain a little weight, I might lose a little weight, I might stay the same, I'm not sure. I'm not worrying about the weight so much, I'm worrying about the things I do have the capacity for to take care of myself.'"

Many of us are also struggling to take care of ourselves, dealing with exacerbated mental health problems or extra financial insecurity. "A lot of us in the regular world do have a lot of capacity to do a lot of stuff every day," she says. "Most of us just don't have that. We have other worries that are taking much more space in our brains, and so being able to recognize this is the capacity I have."

2. Weight is not the best way to determine health.

Weight is not a significant health indicator, says Nelson. Even when we see weight change due to behaviors, very often when we look at it, it is the behaviors that are making the health changes, not the weight itself. Theres certainly people who make health changes whose health improves but their weight doesnt change, and theres some people who can gain weight and actually be healthier.

Getting rid of the stigma around weight is part of public health in and of itself. "Definitely, systematically, we have issues with people with larger bodies, and we have expectations and assumptions that we make around those folks, and that does directly affect the health of everyone in larger bodies," says Nelson. "Having access to medical care, not being stigmatized against in that care, not being stigmatized against in jobs, things like that. Those are all things that I can't individually change, but I can get together with other individuals and start working on change."

3. Lifestyle diets are still diets.

The fact that fad diets and crash diets are unhealthy and don't lead to long-term weight loss has recently gained mainstream acceptance. Diets can lead to patterns of restrictive and binge eating and slower metabolism, essentially triggering your body's famine responses. But Nelson says that conversations about why "diets don't work" often don't include plans like keto or paleo that are branded as a "lifestyle changes" but are still concerned with weight loss.

"You kind of have to look at the lifestyle change that's being purported, especially if it's a program, and try to determine, 'Am I being told to restrict something?'" says Nelson. "Is 'healthy' being couched in a weight loss manner? Is 'feeling good' subtly indicating that I'm going to be feeling good because I'm smaller than I was before?"

Of course, that doesnt mean that there is no such thing as a positive lifestyle change, or that eating more fruits and vegetables isnt a good thing.

"But then they can also eat the foods that are considered taboo, like sugary foods or starches, non-vegetable carbohydrates," says Nelson. "If you're eating all of that and making sure you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and a variety of foods, that can be a lifestyle change that's supportive of health, if you're not restricting calories and you're not trying to exercise off all your calories."

4. Eating mac and cheese at 2 am can be an act of health.

At a time when most of us are thrown off our usual routines and consumed by feelings of uncertainty, it's expected that people will latch on to any comforts they can. In a sense, eating a big bowl of mac and cheese, sugary cereal or whatever your comfort food of choice happens to be can be an act of health, especially if you haven't had the time or mental energy to eat enough throughout the day.

"It can also be anti-health," says Nelson. "It depends on why you're eating it." But mental health influences physical health, so regardless of why you're eating what you're eating, beating yourself up about it isn't going to help.

"Especially now, being able to have some self-compassion is ultimately going to be more beneficial than anything we put into our mouths," she says. "Stepping away from that perfection that a lot of us feel on a regular basis and saying, 'This is not perfect, nothing's going to be perfect, and certainly right now nothing's going to be perfect,' and being as OK with that as we can."

See the original post here:
Dr. DeAun Nelson Wants to Change How We Think About Weight and Health Care - Willamette Week

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The seasons may be changing, but one there is one thing constant no matter what the season is. Getting and staying in shape is never a bad thing. If anything, it is always a good thing. If youre not in good shape, it can affect your entire day. Not just the physical aspects. Your drive will decrease too.

One of the biggest hindrances when it comes to getting in shape is having to shed the pounds. Weighing a little too much can make it hard to get into a routine. Hard to get up the drive to go out and run or power lift. That is why losing weight is paramount when it comes to staying in shape.

But losing those pounds is not easy. You have to do a lot of hard work to burn some fat. It can be easy to burn some water weight in the beginning, but those actual fatty pounds are not so easy to get rid of. Even if you want to do it, the excess weight can make it hard. Not just excess weight either.

Mental blocks are among the biggest things that keep people from losing weight. All the bad habits that you pick up throughout your life can make it hard to change into a healthier routine. Which is one of the things that the fitness app Noom is very well aware of.

Noom is a great resource for anyone to have that is looking to get and stay in shape. You can find a lot of fitness apps that claim to be a big help but arent as successful as Noom because of the main idea behind it. Breaking those chains that hold us down is the key to getting in shape.

So if you are looking to lose weight in a short amount of time, Noom is the place to go. Because short time weight loss plans are not easy, and you need to mentally prepare with a good amount of help in your corner. And that is what you will get with Noom.

When you sign up for Noom, you will have to take a very in-depth and personalized test. This test is designed to understand your physicality and mentality and your goals. That way the test can formulate these results to deliver you with a personalized diet and workout routine to reach your goal in the time frame you want.

Reaching those goals will not be easy. But you will break through with the help that Noom offers. One of the biggest of which is the good collection of wellness coaches on hand. When you need help with something, you will have professionals that know whats up available to you.

Are those workout results from the Noom test too difficult for you? The coaches will help you out. Maybe not understanding exactly how to do these workouts properly? Wellness coaches are there. Got a physical issue that prevents a certain workout? You will be able to work around that with the coaches.

Not only can you use the wellness coaches at Noom, but you also have the help of the rest of the community there. Having others that are in the same position as you and those that have been there will make it a lot easier to get the energy up to keep up the fight.

Within that community, you will also get a lot of help in other areas. Such as having a deep resource of workout routines and fitness plans and recipes for you to peruse. If youre having a hard time shifting into a new diet, you can find recipes and meal plans on Noom that will help you out greatly.

Another great element of Noom is that it will help you keep track of everything. Your workouts and your diet so you can see what your progress is and what needs to change. If youre having issues in certain areas, you and the coaches/community can see what you need to do to hit your goals.

Having Noom in your life is a godsend. Keeping on the right path to get and stay in shape is a lot easier with this app on your phone/computer. If you wanna lose some pounds in the next month, give Noom a trial run right now. Chances are good you wont look back.

Get It: Try Nooms Trial Today!

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How To Lose 10 Pounds In 1 Month With The Help Of Noom - Men's Journal

If you are new to exercise, start with just a couple of sessions per week and then, one you feel exercise has become more of a habit for you, increase the number of sessions you do. This also applies to healthy eating, which is a major struggle for many people and explains why diets never last! Rather than cutting carbs as that low-carb diet you may be considering suggests, start looking for healthier carbs to include in your diet, or just have smaller portions. Dont let anyone tell you that you dont need carbs, they are an essential macro and we all need them! The key to balancing your nutrition is to enjoy things in moderation instead; but luckily, as carbs are perfectly acceptable to eat, you will want to opt for carbs that help keep you full for longer, such as potatoes, quinoa, brown rice and wholegrain pasta.

Read more here:
How to Create and Maintain Good Habits Even When You Lose Motivation - WTNZ

Name: Heather GomezAge: 40Occupation: Defense ConsultantHometown: San Diego, California

Start Weight: 270 poundsEnd Weight: 150 poundsTime Running: 3 years, 6 months

Prior to age 36, I had never attempted to lose weight. I had completely turned a blind eye to how unhealthy I was. My life was just going to and from the office, eating take out for almost every meal, and watching TV until it was time to go to bed. My back and knees were in constant pain, I couldnt tie my shoes without losing my breath, and I had zero energy for anything. That was my life for many years.

Around the beginning of 2017, my close friend invited me to an OrangeTheory workout class. I had never taken any group exercise class before, but it sounded intriguing. For 60 excruciating minutes, was put through the wringer. I walked out nauseous and vowed to never return.

But a fire was sparked, and I knew something needed to change in my life. Thanks to Facebook algorithms, ads for a popular kickboxing gym near me called 9 Round Kickboxing started popping up on my feed. I tried a free workout, and within four months, I was hooked! But I was looking for more to challenge me.

Sign up for Runners World+ to read more stories how running changes lives

That inspired me to running in January 2017. I decided to train with a friend who was doing a 5K later that month, and even though I had minimal training, I loved the feeling of crossing the finish line and getting a medal.

From there, I was addicted. I started using the Couch-to-5K running app, and ended up starting and stopping multiple times. But I kept trying. I was running one- to two- mile increments twice a week, and I started signing up for more local 5K races to keep me on track. In April 2017, I finally ran the entire 5K distance without stopping. When I crossed the finish line, I cried. I was becoming a runner.

From there, I kept going farther. In December 2017, I ran my first half marathon. I just kept building every year since then, and in October 2018, I became a marathoner at the Long Beach Marathon in 7:59. In June 2019, I became an ultrarunner, finishing the Black Mountain Trail 50K in 9:55:05.

And in January 2020, I ran my first 50-mile trail race at the San Diego 50 in 13:32:13. I cried again at the end because I knew I had come so far in my running journey.

[Discover how to run 10, 50, or even 100 pounds off with Run to Lose.]

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and gyms and trails were closed, I had to do something to keep myself focused. I started running virtual ultramarathons in my neighborhood, and eventually hosted my own virtual 50K and had 12 other runners participate in their own neighborhood on the same day.

In May 2020, I had extended abdominoplasty surgery to remove excess skin from my belly and took a running hiatus. I have been slowly building back my endurance and have taken up hiking, which is lower impact than trail running. I plan to summit Mount Whitney (14,505 feet) in October 2020 with an experienced crew.

Along with running, I also adjusted my diet. I started eating more at home (less takeout), but I wasnt measuring or tracking. I focused on eating more vegetables, protein, and complex carbs, and also tried to minimize processed foods.

Once I decided to run an ultra marathon, I hired a local ultrarunner/coach who taught me a lot about macros, gut-healthy foods, and low-sensitivity foods. It completely changed how I viewed food because I understood how it worked in my body.

That being said, my primary goal has always been to live a sustainable life with food. I still eat pizza, tacos, and apple fritters. I just consume them less often, which makes me savor them that much more when I incorporate them into my food plan that day.

Doing all of this, I have successfully dropped 120 pounds during a 3.5-year time span and have kept the weight off. I am in the best shape Ive ever been in my entire life. I feel great, and I look at life completely differently now.

The physical changes have been successful because Ive been working on my mental and emotional health. We have to be honest with ourselves about what we want, what is holding us back, and how important the change is to us.

My journey isnt over yet. Im always a work in progress. But I absolutely enjoy the process. Thats the biggest piece of the puzzle: to fall in love with the process.

To do this, I had to find the best way to stay disciplined. A lot of people rely on motivation. Motivation is fickle. I rely heavily on my discipline. I make a routinesomething sustainableand stick to it. It eventually becomes a habit that you look forward to. This included finding my crew. Find people who aspire to do big things in their life. People who are nonjudgmental, who show up for you, and make you want to show up for them. That has been critical in my journey. I couldnt have done half of the stuff Ive done without them.

We want to hear how running changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form. Well pick one each week to highlight on the site.

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Weight Loss Transformation Heather Gomez Run to Lose Weight - runnersworld.com

Additional highlights from NIDDK research that are shaping scientific advances of the future.

As we continue to honor NIDDKs 70th anniversary, we look back at NIDDK-supported research from the last seven decades that have furthered our understanding of the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. In our first 70th anniversary blog post, we highlighted some of our research advancements in diabetes and kidney disease. In this second post, learn about some of our scientific discoveries in nutrition, obesity, liver disease, digestive diseases, and sickle cell disease. Visit our 70th anniversary page for more information about our past, present, and future focuses in these areas.

Nutrition Clinical Studies of Diet and Nutrition

An NIDDK controlled feeding study found that people consumed more calories per day and gained weight on a diet of ultra-processed foods, whereas they lost weight on an unprocessed food diet. Studies such as this, where participants are provided with all their meals and snacks, avoid the pitfalls of self-reported dietary assessment tools.

In another study, NIDDK-funded researchers showed benefits of time-restricted feeding in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants consumed their usual daily diet within 10 hours and experienced moderate weight loss, and, in some cases, lower blood pressure, lower blood glucose levels, and other improved outcomes.

Obesity Surgical Interventions as a Treatment Strategy

The NIDDK-supported Teen-LABS (Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery) is an observational study assessing the short- and long-term risks and benefits of bariatric surgery in teens who have severe obesity and serious weight-related health problems. Researchers found major improvements in weight, heart health, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and kidney function 3 years after surgery. Moreover, 5 years after weight-loss surgery, researchers compared the results for teens in the study to results for adults who had the same procedure. While weight loss was substantial and similar between the two groups, teens with type 2 diabetes before surgery were more likely than adults to have their diabetes resolve after surgery without diabetes medications. Teens were also more likely than adults to no longer have high blood pressure after surgery or take blood pressure medications.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) The Genetics of IBD

The NIDDKs IBD Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) is identifying genetic variants that are associated with IBD. In collaboration with the International IBD Genetics Consortium, of which it is a member, the IBDGC has enrolled thousands of IBD patients and identified more than 250 regions of the human genome that convey risk for the disease. This work established genetics as a key driver of IBD and is continuing to yield important new insights into the complex and individual nature of the disease.

Chronic Liver Disease Viral Hepatitis

For chronic hepatitis B, both interferon and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have been shown to be highly effective in suppressing viral infection and treating liver disease. But these drugs must be taken long-term if not indefinitely, and only cure the disease in a proportion of individuals. Studies by the NIDDKs Hepatitis B Research Network show that careful management of patients with chronic hepatitis B leads to long-term survival and low rates of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and end-stage liver disease with only rare adverse effects. Better regimens of DAAs and interferon promise to further improve outcomes.

Sickle Cell Disease Developing Treatment Strategies

Based, in part, on NIDDK-supported research, hydroxyurea became the first agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for preventing painful sickle cell episodes in patients 2 years of age and older. Hydroxyurea increases life expectancy, reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and is cost effective for gravely ill adult patients. Hydroxyurea works by increasing the concentration of fetal hemoglobin (the predominant form of hemoglobin at birth that typically drops to very low levels by 6 months of age) in the red blood cells of patients with SCD, thus diluting the concentration of sickled red cells. The drug is the only one approved by the FDA for treating SCD, and in many patients it reduces common complications such as severe pain, organ damage, and ameliorates anemia.

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Celebrating 70 Years: More Research Advancements | NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Pre-workout supplements are created to pump up your next sweat sesh. Most formulas come as a powder to mix with water and chug 30 minutes before your workout.

Pre-workout formulas are standard for professional athletes, but theyve also caught on in the mainstream.

Since theyre a dime a dozen on the market, it can be tough to figure out which ones are legit. It also takes time to find the one thats best and safest for your goals.

The ketogenic diet calls for high fat, low carb eating to encourage your bod to use its fat stores for fuel. The basic keto eating breakdown is 55 to 60 percent fat, 30 to 35 percent protein, and 5 to 10 percent carbohydrates.

When your body doesnt have carbs for energy, your liver steps in. It converts your fat into something called ketones, which can be burned for energy instead. Once your body starts this fat-torching process, its called being in a state of ketosis.

For folks on the keto diet, its important to choose a pre-workout that will *keep* their bodies in ketosis.

TBH, the answer varies wildly from product to product. You will see some common ingredients in both mainstream and keto-friendly pre-workouts.

Exactly what you think: Boost your energy to improve your performance.

From thiamine (B1) to cobalamin (B12), the B vitamins = brain and blood cell juice to help your body run on all cylinders.

Stevia. Saccharin. These guys make your jolt juice tasty.

Beta-whaaat? Keto pre-workout formulas differ from other formulas in two ways: They typically have no more than 1 carb per serving *and* they include beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Recent research suggests that pre-workout formulas with electrolytes and beta-hydroxybutyrate boost exercise performance by more than 10 percent for folks in ketosis.

Most pre-workout formulas include salts to replenish electrolytes lost to sweat, natural or artificial flavors, and sometimes a blend of herbs or vitamins.

WTF is a proprietary blend?

This is perhaps the biggest issue with pre-workout powders and pills. The FDA doesnt evaluate the safety, effectiveness, or quality of dietary supplements or their ingredients. That includes the *amounts* of ingredients in so called proprietary blends. So, you could be getting more (or less) of a vitamin, mineral, or other ingredient than you bargained for. Pretty murky stuff, huh?

The best way to verify the nitty-gritty of pre-workouts with proprietary blends is to shop for products that have been certified by a third-party company.

Of course! Like most supplements, pre-workouts come with a side of research-backed results and personal claims.

Because of the caffeine content, most pre-workout supplements make your energy soar. And being wired AF increases your chances of going harder, faster, stronger.

Caffeines benefits go beyond the obvious too. Research indicates that it boosts exercise performance and decreases post-workout muscle soreness.

The ingredients listed above essential amino acids and performance-boosting beta-hydroxybutyrate will also increase pump and help you smash your workout goals.

Well, theres that whole proprietary blend thing. These blends are merely FDA-regulated, so theres the potential for mystery types and amounts of ingredients.

Pre-workout supplements will never be as straightforward as a simple pre-workout egg, avocado, or other whole-food snack. And even when dosing on essential amino acids and vitamins, you run the risk of getting too much of a good thing.

Finally, theres always a chance that your pre-workout wont mix well with your other supplements or prescription meds. Err on the side of caution and talk to your doctor before taking a new pre-workout formula.

Maximizing your workout is all about preparation.

Most pre-workout formulas are designed to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before exercising. This gives the ingredients time to take effect.

If youre craving a caffeine jolt, timing gets a bit trickier, because caffeine takes effect 45 to 60 minutes after you consume it.

Your best bet? Chug that pre-workout drink 30 minutes before your warmup. The amino acids and vitamins will already be surging through your system, and the caffeine will kick in soon after.

Youll typically choose a pre-workout supplement that has the right ingredients for your specific goals. Some ingredients give you major pump for lifting, while others boost your endurance.

Pick a pre-workout that fits your exercise style and goals.

Wanna support your pump during ketosis? Look for beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Need major jolt juice for HIIT? Go for the caffeine and B complex.

Hoping to beat your lifting record? Grab a pre-workout with creatine, athletes favorite ingredient for boosting strength and power.

Its a big deal that pre-workouts arent FDA-approved. If yours is stuffed with pointless fillers, youre wasting your cash at best. At worst, you could be harming your body instead of pumping it up for peak performance.

To be safe, professional or student athletes should get their pre-workout supplements approved by a coach or dietitian.

Not a pro? Ask your doc about any harmful interactions with your other supplements or prescription meds.

Keeping safety in mind, we searched for pre-workouts that are rated highly for keto-friendly ingredients, workout impact, reliability, and taste (when applicable).

Full disclosure: We used Amazons bestseller list and highest-rated products as a guide.

Pricing guide

Our search turned up 11 classic pre-workout powders. But we also found a killer variety of pre-workout nibbles to rev up your next sweat sesh.

These supplement and powder formulas are classic pre-workouts but in keto form! Mix em up with water and chug about 30 minutes before your workout.

Need an a.m. pick-me-up? This citrusy pre-workout offers up caffeine from green tea extract. Its also dairy-free and gluten-free ideal for touchy tummies.

If the tame packaging worries you, leave those fears behind: This pre-workout has powerhouse ingredients like beta-hydroxybutyrate and MCTs.

The refreshing flavor comes courtesy of stevia, meaning theres less than 1 gram of carbs per serving. #winning

Price: $$$

Buy Perfect Keto Perform online.

The amino acids! The vitamins! The steady supply of caffeine! TBH, Kino Octane is one of the most well-rounded ways to boost your energy, replenish electrolytes, and generally pump up your muscle capacity.

Peep these ingredients: 6,000 milligrams of L-citrulline, 300 micrograms of vitamin B7, 100 milligrams of thiamine (vitamin B1), and no sugar.

Price: $$

Buy Kino Octane online.

Say hey to one of the first pre-workout supplements designed specifically for keto folks!

With fatty MCTs for fuel, BHB salts to keep blood sugar in check, and all the beta-hydroxybutyrate keto gym rats know and love, this third-party-tested lemon ice shake-up delivers.

Have texture issues? Beware. Reviewers say this one gets hella clumpy.

Price: $

Buy BPI Sports Ketogenic Pre-Workout Supplement online.

Want a true blue pre-workout? This one is Americas #1 selling pre-workout and swole idol Mat Frasers preferred formula. Thats why we also named it one of the best overall pre-workout supplements of 2020.

But wait theres more! Its third-party tested. Clocking in with less than 1 gram of carbs, its also keto-friendly AF.

Three cheers for transparent products that work!

Price: $

Buy C4 Original Pre-Workout Powder online.

With its A+ ingredient rundown no carbs, no caffeine, no sugar! Keto Drive is damn tasty. Take your pick from two flavors: black cherry or matcha lemonade.

Packed with the usual arsenal of pre-workout supplements, Keto Drive is also formulated with a patented beta-hydroxybutyrates (BHB) blend, supporting a rapid rise to ketosis.

Sensitive stomach? Ease into this one some reviewers say it gave them the runs and abdominal pain.

Price: $$

Buy Keto Drive online.

Not many pre-workout supplements are vegetarian or vegan. Thats because theyre packed with collagen or animal-based amino acids. So we were amped when we found Vega Sport, which is plant-based *and* gluten-free.

The formula comes in vanilla, mocha, or berry flavor, so its perfect for mixing with your fave plant milk or blending into a keto smoothie.

Price: $$

Buy Vega Sport online.

Weve got another BHB in the house! Reviewers back up this cherry-flavored pre-workouts claim: It supports pump so you can crush your next workout.

No carbs in sight, but Crush on Keto does include 2,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, 400 milligrams of L-taurine, a proprietary keto blend that includes L-arginine AKG and BHBs, and a whopping 250 milligrams of caffeine. So if caffeine hits you hard, start with half a scoop of this one.

Fans usually pair this pre-workout with the brands Burn on Keto supplements, but its always best to check with your doc before adding pills to your routine.

Price: $

Buy Crush on Keto online.

As the name suggests, this is as basic as a pre-workout gets. It has no sugar, no carbs, and no caffeine, so you might be wondering what *is* in these little packets of pre-workout.

One hundred percent pure MCT oil powder. Thats it.

Reviewers say the MCTs will get you focused AF and science says MCTs help folks reach peak performance in the gym.

Price: $$

Buy Stupid Simple MCT2GO online.

Though electrolytes are marketed for post-workout hydration replenishment, pumping your body with minerals pre-workout also revs up your energy and stamina and, ultimately, your pump.

Since its basically a hydration jolt, Electrolyte Recovery Plus wins the award for Most Tame Pre-Workout. But dont let the power of electrolytes fool you!

As one reviewer puts it, I just feel absolutely amazing. I feel so much stronger. Easing into pre-workout formulas? Give this a whirl!

Price: $

Buy Electrolyte Recovery Plus online.

With zero carbs or calories, Old School Labs Real Keto is the real deal. The caffeine and mushroom adaptogens are just the cherry on top.

Fans rave about this pre-workouts ability to accelerate workout intensity without sacrificing keto compliance.

Looking for a crash-free formula? Give this a whirl and let us know what you think!

Price: $$

Buy Old School Labs Real Keto online.

Mixed up in an FDA-regulated facility (*swoon*), Keto Rises organic caffeine formula could turn any night owl into an early riser.

Refreshing OJ flavor? Check. Vitamins A, C, D, and K to kick off your day? Check. Salts for optimum hydrate? Of course.

This supplement is also loaded with L-carnitine, which is known for improving workout recovery and fat-burning capabilities.

Price: $$

Buy Keto Rise online.

Need a break from the chugging? Load up on these keto-friendly bars for an occasional pre-workout snack instead.

With whole-food ingredients and 10 grams of protein per serving, Perfect Keto Bars live up to their name. The jolt of pure, fatty energy just might be worth the chunk of change.

Price: $$$

Buy Perfect Keto bars online.

What Stoka Bars lack in caffeine or amino acids, they make up for in delicious protein and fatty fuel. And we dare you not to love the ketolicious sweetness of the PB&J flavor!

Price: $$$

Buy Stoka bars online.

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29 Best Keto Pre Workout Snacks and Supplements - Greatist

The 3-Day cardiac diet is one of the popular fad diets for weight-loss.

The idea of a healthy weight loss rests on the pillars of regular exercise and healthy food choices. The 3-day cardiac diet proposes a considerable weight loss in a short time which may be dangerous to your health. Furthermore, experts suggest that such a sudden weight loss mainly constitutes the loss of water and muscle mass rather than fat. This may make you feel weak and lead to repeated cycles of weight loss and weight gain. Such changes in weight can be damaging to the heart and overall health.

Due to the restricted food options in the 3-day diet, you may end up having unhealthy cravings and nutritional deficiencies. A restricted food plan is also not practical and may be difficult to continue in the long run. The deficiency of essential nutrients in such diet plans can make your immune system weak. This will make you prone to various infections.

A good diet is not the one that just helps you lose weight quickly. A good diet plan must help you meet your nutritional requirements as well. A modest weight loss of even five to 10 percent of your total body weight can protect you from various diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

You must consult your healthcare provider to know what diet and lifestyle changes will help you achieve a healthy weight safely.

What is the 3-Day cardiac diet?

The 3-Day cardiac diet is one of the popular fad diets for weight-loss. The diet claims a weight loss of about 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms in a week. The diet makes robust claims of faster and significant weight loss, detox, lowered cholesterol and increased energy. None of these claims, however, have been scientifically substantiated. The diet is also called the Birmingham Diet because the advocates of this diet claim that it was developed at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. The researchers at the university, however, deny such claims.

The diet constitutes a three-day diet plan (on days) that provide between 800-1000 calories. This is followed by four days of responsible eating when a person can have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meat and nuts. The diet pattern can be followed over and again till the desired weight loss is achieved.

What does a 3-day cardiac diet menu contain?

The 3-day cardiac diet offers an inexpensive but restricted menu. Sticking to the menu is proposed to result in 10 pounds of weight loss in seven days. You are not allowed to make any substitutes to the menu or add anything except salt and pepper.

DAY 1:

Breakfast

1/2 Grapefruit or juice1 Slice of dry Toast1 Tablespoon of Peanut ButterBlack Coffee or Tea

Lunch

1/2 Cup of Tuna1 Slice of dry Toast or 1 Oz. of cheddar cheeseBlack Coffee or Tea

Dinner

3 ounces of any lean meat1 cup of string beans1 cup carrots or beets1 small apple1 cup of vanilla ice cream

DAY 2:

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea

1 egg1 slice of dry toast1/2 banana

Lunch

Black coffee or tea

1 cup of cottage cheese or cup tuna5 saltine crackers

Dinner

2 beef franks1 cup of broccoli or cabbage1/2 cup of carrots or turnip greens1/2 banana1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream

DAY 3:

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea

5 saltine crackers1 Oz. of cheddar cheese1 small apple

Lunch

Black coffee or tea

1 hard-boiled egg1 slice of dry toast

Dinner

1 cup of tuna1 cup of beans or cauliflower

1 cup carrots or beets

1cup melon

cup vanilla ice cream

Medically Reviewed on 9/17/2020

References

https://blog.partnersforyourhealth.com/blog/3-day-cardiac-diet

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html

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How Safe is the 3 Day Cardiac Diet? - MedicineNet

Kevin Manuel | MLive.com/TNS

Celiac is estimated to affect one in 133 people worldwide.

Dining as a college student is notoriously difficult. Many of us are financially independent for the first time, responsible for figuring out where, when and what to eat each day. With time constraints, stress and easy access to junk food, eating healthy is particularly hard for us college kids.

Fortunately, living in a city provides most students with a wide range of options. The Eatery at Market Central alone has more than half a dozen food stations, and within a few blocks of campus students can find everything from Halal Pitt to Atarashi sushi. But the difficulties of dining become compounded for students with dietary restrictions. As someone who was diagnosed with celiac almost a decade ago, Im familiar with these challenges. There is one station celiacs can eat at in Market Central, and there are a select few restaurants in South O that are celiac-safe. Dining with celiac disease presents unique obstacles that many people fail to recognize or understand here are three things I wish everyone knew about celiac disease.

Basic understanding of celiac

Celiac is estimated to affect 1 in 133 people worldwide, but there is a widespread lack of knowledge about the disease, even within the food industry. Many people have never heard of celiac disease, including restaurant staff. I cant count how many times Ive gone to a restaurant and told the staff I have celiac, only for them to tell me theyve never heard of celiac. This is a problem because when people dont know what celiac is, or how careful we must be with our gluten-free diet, it is harder for us to eat safely. Also, just as importantly, the lack of knowledge on celiac means that people go undiagnosed, including the estimated 2.5 million undiagnosed Americans.

So heres my quick little run down. Celiac disease, as stated by the Celiac Disease Foundation, is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. When we eat gluten, our body attacks itself and we are no longer able to absorb nutrients. Theres no cure, and adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment.

We dont mean to be difficult

Along with a lack of understanding, many people fail to recognize the severity of celiac disease. We must adhere to an incredibly strict gluten free diet because any more than 20 parts of gluten per million parts of food sample can cause damage. To put this into context, a 1-ounce slice of gluten-free bread containing 20 parts per million of gluten would contain 0.57 milligrams of gluten. This is why those of us with celiac must worry about cross-contact from shared toasters, cutting boards, and other areas where our food could be exposed to gluten particles. The damage has immediate effects, which could include some of the more than 200 known symptoms, which range from abdominal pain to arthritis, from seizures to behavioral issues. Even eating a small particle of gluten can cause symptoms that last for months. Additionally, there are long-term health effects people with celiac are more likely to develop heart disease, GI cancers, fertility issues, other autoimmune diseases and other problems if they eat gluten for long periods of time.

All of this is to say that celiac disease is very serious. Even one slip up can cause painful effects, so people with celiac are very careful about what they eat. We may need to turn down your homemade meal, or ask that you be willing to go to a different restaurant that can accommodate us. We often have to ask extra questions when eating out, or we may not want to eat out at all. If we do get glutened, we may be irritated and fatigued, and may need to cancel plans. We know that these are inconveniences to you, and we know it sucks. All we ask is that you recognize we dont mean to be high-maintenance, we just want to stay healthy and safe.

The gluten-free fad

I understand youre probably tired of everyone and their mother trying a new gluten-free diet, especially if you work in the food industry. People have claimed that gluten-free diets help with weight loss, acne and general health despite the fact that few of these claims are supported by science. It can be frustrating when people start a gluten-free diet as a fad because it creates backlash for celiacs. The rise of gluten-free diets by choice has led to the perception that all gluten-free diets are by choice. Failing to see celiac as a medical necessity, and instead seeing it as part of the fad, leads to people discounting the seriousness of our requests. Trust me, we are tired of the fad too, but its important to recognize that celiacs are very different from the people who go gluten-free for a month as part of an Instagram weight loss challenge.

If you are inclined to maintain a gluten-free diet without the medical need to do so, please consider how your actions affect those of us with celiac and other disorders that require a gluten-free diet. Many people who follow the fad will tell restaurant staff that they have a gluten allergy or celiac, which is problematic because it confuses restaurant staff about what restrictions celiacs actually need. For example, if you say you have celiac, but then dont ask the staff to use a different kitchen space to prepare your food, it could leave the staff with the impression that they do not need to do so for future celiac requests which is incorrect. Of course, when an actual celiac goes they will ask for a separate kitchen space, but then we are just seen as a nuisance the staff didnt have to do that for the last celiac, so they assume they dont need to for us. Claiming to have a disease when you do not have it for personal gain can negatively affect the community, and all we ask is that you be mindful of the consequences of your actions.

Loretta primarily writes about politics. Write to her at [emailprotected].

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Opinion | Going against the grain: Debunking celiac disease misconceptions - University of Pittsburgh The Pitt News